Arusha Travel Guide: Exploring Tanzania's Gem

Known as the safari capital of Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit, Arusha is located at the base of the stunning Mount Meru. It is a busy city with a fascinating blend of markets, crazy traffic, old colonial buildings, and contemporary amenities like WiFi-equipped coffee shops and great restaurants.

Although most people consider Arusha a place to stop over before going on safari, if you have more time to spend in this bustling town, there is plenty to see and do. Arusha is the perfect location for your next adventure, whether you are looking for an exhilarating safari experience, a cultural awakening, or just a break from the daily grind.

Here's our Arusha travel guide for an unforgettable vacation.

Where Is Arusha Located?

Arusha City, located in Tanzania, has a population of 617,631 and serves as the regional capital of the Arusha Region, which itself has a population of 2,356,255 according to the 2022 census.

Arusha City enjoys a temperate climate and is situated below Mount Meru on the eastern edge of the eastern branch of the Great Rift Valley. It is surrounded by Arusha National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park.

Arusha is a  multicultural city with a predominantly Tanzanian population of mixed backgrounds, comprising native Africans, Arab-Tanzanians, Indian-Tanzanians, and a small minority of North Americans and Europeans. The city's religions are Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism.

Arusha is located at the base of the stunning Mount Meru

What To Do In Arusha?

Experience The Local Wildlife

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which was established in 1959, is home to the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is renowned for its abundance of magnificent animals, including buffaloes, zebras, lions, and elephants. It also features herds of wildebeests and zebras that travel through the plains every year. 

The Olduvai Gorge, which is part of the Serengeti and borders the southern plains, is home to millions of year-old hominid fossils.

Explore The Wetlands

Tarangire National Park, the sixth largest park in Tanzania situated in the Manyara Region, is bisected by the Tarangire River. Renowned for its abundant herds of elephants, zebras, wildebeests, and cape buffaloes, drawn to its freshwater reservoirs, the park showcases Acacia and Commiphora-Combretum woodlands along with Baobab trees.

Encompassing over 1,100 square miles, the area is also home to waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, and vervet monkeys, and hosts predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania 

Climb The Highest African Mountain

Africa's tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, is a dormant volcano towering at 16,100 feet. It was first conquered by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. This majestic mountain is within Kilimanjaro National Park and draws climbers, hikers, and safari enthusiasts. 

Its three volcanic cones—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira—are renowned. There are seven official trekking paths, such as Lemosho, Marangu, Mweka, Rongai, Shira, Umbra, and the most picturesque and challenging route, Machame.

Shop The Local Treasures

The Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is a convergence of Tanzania's rich cultural tapestry, embracing the traditions and artistry of over 120 tribes. Established in 1994, it houses an extensive assortment of carvings, gemstones, relics, apparel, jewelry, and literary works. This venue is a popular stop for tourists seeking diverse souvenirs like beads, valuable and semi-precious jewelry, spices, antiquities, and woodcrafted items. 

The center offers tanzanite, a rare violet stone found only in the nation, along with rubies, emeralds, tsavorite, diamonds, sapphires, and opals. In addition, artworks including sculptures, paintings, and contemporary art by national and international artists are on display, and there is a traditional restaurant.

Watch The Exotic Birds

Established in 1960, the 130-square-mile Lake Manyara National Park is a well-known bird watching destination with an information center. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, East African lions, cheetahs, elephants, blue monkeys, gazelles, hippos, Masai giraffes, impalas, and zebras. 

Near the hippo pond, guests can safely observe the animals from the comfort of their own vehicles. Additionally, the center boasts a well-liked gift shop.

Read more: Unforgettable Places To Visit In Arusha

The 130-square-mile Lake Manyara National Park is a well-known bird watching destination

How To Get To Arusha

How to get from Kilimanjaro to Arusha

Kilimanjaro and Arusha are separated by 81 kilometers. And there are three ways to get from Kilimanjaro to Arusha: bus, train, or airline.

Kilimanjaro (JRO) to Arusha (ARK) is around 49 km away and takes approximately 8 minutes by air, operated by FlexFlight ApS and Air Excel. There are usually 21 weekly flights, though the weekend and holiday schedules might change, so check ahead.

Without a car, the most convenient method to go from Kilimanjaro to Arusha is by bus, which takes 1h 59m and costs .

How to get to Arusha from Dar es salaam

The distance from Dar es Salaam to Arusha spans 479 kilometers, while the road distance measures approximately 629.9 kilometers.

There are six ways available for traveling from Dar es Salaam to Arusha, including plane, taxi, ferry, bus, train, or car.

The fastest way to get from Dar es Salaam to Arusha is approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes. This duration incorporates an average layover time of around 34 minutes. Airlines like Flightlink, World Ticket, Precision Air, and others provide these services. Normally, there are around 62 weekly flights available, but it's advisable to verify schedules in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as they might differ.

 Arusha is the perfect location for your next adventure

Where To Eat In Arusha

Arusha offers a diverse array of culinary treats that mirror the multifaceted cultural influences of the area. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks in Arusha:

• Nyama Choma: This is a well-known Tanzanian cuisine made of grilled meat, typically goat, chicken, or beef, and served with tomato and onion salad with ugali, or maize porridge, on the side.
• Pilau: A flavorful dish crafted from rice, spices, and a choice of meat or vegetables. Resembling biryani, it is a popular meal in the region.
• Chips Mayai: A street food favorite, is a cross between fries and an omelet; the fries are combined with beaten eggs and fried till crispy and filling.
• Ugali: This is a traditional meal in Tanzania, typically served with stews, curries, or grilled meats. It is made from maize flour boiled with water to make a thick, starchy porridge.
• Fresh Juice: Fresh fruit juices, like as mango, passionfruit, and pineapple, are incredibly tasty and refreshing in Arusha.
• Tea: Tanzania is well-known for its premium tea, which is grown in the neighboring Usambara Mountains. Enjoy tea made locally while admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Arusha offers a diverse array of culinary treats

Where To Stay In Arusha

The vibrant city of Arusha is situated in northern Tanzania and is the gateway to some of the most well-known national parks in Africa, such as the Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Serengeti. If you are considering a trip to Arusha, you will need a handy and comfortable place to stay.

• The Arusha Hotel: Centrally situated, this historic hotel has been a favorite of guests for a century, offering diverse room choices and amenities like a restaurant, bar, pool, and spa.
• Four Points by Sheraton: This modern hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, pool, and fitness center.
• Mount Meru Hotel: Situated on the outskirts of the city, this hotel has spacious rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, pool, and fitness center, as well as breathtaking views of Mount Meru.
• Kibo Palace Hotel: Situated in a tranquil area, this hotel provides roomy accommodations, including suites, along with a restaurant, bar, pool, and gym facilities.

Arusha Tourism Has Never Been Easier

Embarking on Arusha tourism has never been smoother. With its diverse attractions and easy connectivity to Tanzania's iconic destinations, Arusha beckons travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey.  

For a hassle-free experience, travelers can start by securing their Tanzania eVisa through Tanzania Immigration Services. Simplify your travel preparations and set the stage for an immersive Arusha adventure. From the vibrant cityscape to the breathtaking landscapes, Arusha promises an enriching experience that lingers long after you've returned home.

Prepare for your Arusha escapade by applying for a Tanzania eVisa today and step into a world of natural marvels and cultural richness! In addition, we recommend that you should buy Tanzania travel insurance. Although travel insurance is not required for Tanzania vacations, tourists are advised to purchase it in the event of an emergency or other tough scenario during their trip. Travel insurance can help to reduce financial risk while traveling abroad.